The Virginia Beach Jaycees are proud to announce the 2017 First Citizen of Virginia Beach has been awarded to Mr. J. Morgan Davis.

Following an open call for nominations, the 2017 First Citizen of Virginia Beach has been given to J. Morgan Davis. Davis will be the 67th honoree for the award. Joining the ranks of some of the area’s most prominent men and women in the city ranging from judges and political figures, to business owners and key volunteers. The annual honoree is not necessarily chosen based on their previous calendar year contributions; instead the nominating committee looks at all influence throughout their career or lifetime that have had a positive influence over the city.

Since 1950, the Virginia Beach Jaycees have been celebrating the achievements of a key Virginia Beach citizen for their work and dedication to improving our city. Fundamental characteristics of past honorees include those who have been vital in supporting and growing local business and the growth of the city, as well as empowerment of local citizens. At minimum, our honoree must meet the following criteria:

A person who has relentlessly supported local business and citizen empowerment

Someone who has been a positive role model in the Virginia Beach community

A unique individual who may have been influential in the growth of the city

Someone who lives and resides in Virginia Beach

That faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life; That the brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations; That economic justice can best be won by free men through free enterprise; That Government should be of laws rather than of men; That earth’s great treasure lies in human personality; And that service to humanity is the best work of life!

And above all else, someone who embodies the United States Jaycees Creed:

Through multiple letters of recommendations from his peers, Davis’s contributions to our community have spread well beyond his position as President and Chief Banking Officer with Towne Bank. His philanthropic efforts to erect the King Neptune Statue as well as serving as an advocate for small businesses have had a lasting impression on the region. In addition, through his leadership with the Towne Bank Foundation there have been millions of dollars donated to various Virginia Beach based charities over the years. He has served on numerous local charity and non-profit boards and always is looking for ways to give back to the community where he has lived his entire life.

Those who nominated Davis and know him describe his character as warm, affable, gregarious, generous and compassionate.

Honorees for the previous five years include the following and a full list of all winners can be found on the VB Jaycees website:

2016 – Daniel N. Ryan Sr.

2015 – Fred Napolitano, Sr.

2014 – Aubrey Layne, Jr.

2013 – Ramon W. Breeden, Jr.

2012 – Bruce Thompson

Planning for the 2017 First Citizen Award Banquet is now underway. Date, time and location are forthcoming. For now, please congratulate J. Morgan Davis when you see him next!

In addition to selecting the First Citizen of Virginia Beach, the VB Jaycees have been a core group of young professionals ages 18-40 in the area since the 1940s. The group serves to promote leadership training and community involvement and their historical influence over the city includes everything from aiding in the development of the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad and public library systems to managing the East Coast Surfing Championships. ECSC has been celebrating the surfer lifestyle since 1962 and some of the most prominent surfers in the world have graced our waters as a result. ECSC is the 2nd oldest, continuously run surfing championship in the world. For more on ECSC, check out the highlights from 2017 on their website.